Who is Preparing Your Food?

A new animal study poses a whole new set of health questions. Mice lacking immune competence in their digestive tract rapidly breed hostile bacteria that cause ulcerative colitis. Once developed, the hostile bacteria are readily passed on to other mice.

Scientists discovered that dendritic cells, immune cells that act as intermediates between the front line immune troops and more advanced immune system were deficient in a newly discovered protein (T-bet). A lack of T-bet lead to spontaneous production of ulcerative colitis, helping to explain the vital role the immune system plays in maintaining the healthy balance of the digestive tract.

While the discovery of T-bet is brand new, it is well known that dendritic cells are confused and made dysfunctional by an overgrowth of Candida albicans. The primary cause of Candida albicans overgrowth is the rampant overuse of antibiotics by the medical profession. Candida problems have longed been linked to the development of ulcerative colitis.

There are 500,000 Americans with ulcerative colitis. This study says the infection causing the problem is actually contagious – which is major news. Individuals with the problem should take extreme hygiene care when preparing food for others. This also opens a Pandora's box question: Should individuals with ulcerative colitis be allowed to work in the food services industry?